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Thousands of tenants 'suffering abuse' from private landlords Thousands of tenants in England 'suffering abuse' from private landlords
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Thousands of private tenants have suffered abuse at the hands of landlords, including harassment, threats and assaults, which could have resulted in legal action, according to research by Shelter.Thousands of private tenants have suffered abuse at the hands of landlords, including harassment, threats and assaults, which could have resulted in legal action, according to research by Shelter.
The housing charity said it had heard from renters whose landlords had cut off utilities, entered their homes without permission and, in some cases, even burned their possessions.The housing charity said it had heard from renters whose landlords had cut off utilities, entered their homes without permission and, in some cases, even burned their possessions.
It said that in the last year alone, almost 17,000 people had called its helpline about problems with their landlord. These included disputes over deposits, alongside complaints about abuse.It said that in the last year alone, almost 17,000 people had called its helpline about problems with their landlord. These included disputes over deposits, alongside complaints about abuse.
Related: Rogue landlords have little to fear from cash-strapped councilsRelated: Rogue landlords have little to fear from cash-strapped councils
The charity claimed many more tenants may be suffering at the hands of rogue landlords. Based on the results of a survey of about 3,800 adults, it estimated that 125,000 tenants in England had experienced abuse, and that many more had been on the receiving end of an act that could have resulted in legal action.The charity claimed many more tenants may be suffering at the hands of rogue landlords. Based on the results of a survey of about 3,800 adults, it estimated that 125,000 tenants in England had experienced abuse, and that many more had been on the receiving end of an act that could have resulted in legal action.
Shelter cited the case of a tenant who moved into a flat in London and discovered major problems with the property. “There was damp in the bedroom – black walls basically. There was a leaking roof which went on for months, and we had no gas safety certificate,” he said. The tenant had reported 18 things wrong but the landlord refused to fix them and started to enter the property without permission. “Then one day he became really aggressive and hurled some stones at me.”Shelter cited the case of a tenant who moved into a flat in London and discovered major problems with the property. “There was damp in the bedroom – black walls basically. There was a leaking roof which went on for months, and we had no gas safety certificate,” he said. The tenant had reported 18 things wrong but the landlord refused to fix them and started to enter the property without permission. “Then one day he became really aggressive and hurled some stones at me.”
Another tenant told the charity that his landlord had served an eviction notice five days before Christmas and sent abusive texts and phone calls. He and his partner have now moved out, but the landlord has demanded an extra month’s rent.Another tenant told the charity that his landlord had served an eviction notice five days before Christmas and sent abusive texts and phone calls. He and his partner have now moved out, but the landlord has demanded an extra month’s rent.
Related: Generation rent v the landlords: 'They can't evict millions of us'Related: Generation rent v the landlords: 'They can't evict millions of us'
The private rental sector has boomed in recent years, as young professionals and families have been priced out of the housing market. Figures for 2013-14 showed that one in five households in England were renting privately and economists have predicted that the numbers will continue to grow over the next decade.The private rental sector has boomed in recent years, as young professionals and families have been priced out of the housing market. Figures for 2013-14 showed that one in five households in England were renting privately and economists have predicted that the numbers will continue to grow over the next decade.
While the majority of tenants appear not to have difficulties, Shelter’s helpline adviser, Mark Cook, said it spoke every day to people experiencing problems with rogue landlords. “Some of their experiences are truly awful – from renters who have been illegally evicted and had their belongings burned, to those who have had their utilities cut off because their landlord wants to intimidate them.While the majority of tenants appear not to have difficulties, Shelter’s helpline adviser, Mark Cook, said it spoke every day to people experiencing problems with rogue landlords. “Some of their experiences are truly awful – from renters who have been illegally evicted and had their belongings burned, to those who have had their utilities cut off because their landlord wants to intimidate them.
“No one should have to put up with a landlord who breaks the law and it is so important to know your rights as a renter.”“No one should have to put up with a landlord who breaks the law and it is so important to know your rights as a renter.”
The government is consulting on proposals that could see rogue landlords banned from the rental market and subject to a fit and proper person test.The government is consulting on proposals that could see rogue landlords banned from the rental market and subject to a fit and proper person test.